Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, European Security and the German Question, Volume III, Part 2

762A.6/7–2051: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the United States High Commissioner for Germany (McCloy), at Frankfurt¹

top secret
priority

Washington, July 20, 1951—8 p. m.

549. Urtel 992.² This is a joint State–Defense–ECA cable. Berlin stockpile is subj.

A. Although no definitive assurance airlift of particular size can be given, according present indications limited airlift can be mounted, at least to extent of Allied aircraft available in theater. Air Dept suggests USAFE best source estimate of present availability. Reasonable allowance shld be made for Sov ability to restrict airlift to clear weather daytime flights.

B. In view expectation at least small airlift, we cannot agree ur recommendations in para 8 (HICOM/P(51)44³) which fol logically only on assumption no airlift whatsoever in event blockade. We consider availability even limited airlift argues in favor modified staggered stockpiling program which wld create expanded stocks of large-volume items, such as coal, thus easing airlift burden. Airlift cld then concentrate on low-tonnage, expensive items. It is therefore our view that program shld be devised to provide fuel, food, raw materials, medical supplies for one year period when supplemented by daily airlift tonnage estimated by USAFE. Dept believes that extending Berlin’s staying power to one year by increasing stockpile and large-volume items and relying on limited airlift to supply other requirements cld have strong deterrent effect, allow more time to develop larger airlift, and help postpone possible show-down until NATO armed strength further developed.

We suggest exploring BDL and/or RLC financing under arrangements whereby coal and possibly other increased stockpiles wld serve as security and sales proceeds as reimbursements. Low per-ton cost of increased coal stockpile compared with cost food, etc., might keep financial problem year’s stockpile within reasonable limits, and warrant increased coal stockpile beyond 6-months’ level planned for other items.

Augmenting stockpiles other bulky items such as grain-cereal stockpiling beyond 6-months’ level shld be considered as well, although realized wld present greater financial and storage difficulties.

We appreciate serious political and econ problems surrounding coal availability, but believe that strategic consideration that such augmented coal stockpile wld for a longer period obviate need full-scale airlift justifies most positive search for solution along lines indicated. Wld seem highly desirable that principle of equality of sacrifice be applied in reducing allocations to interested Western coal importing countries as well as Germany.

C. We realize any staggered program must be based on USAFE estimate of airlift capabilities which shld be reviewed periodically, perhaps monthly.

D. Dept aware from para 3 Bonn 1009 Jun 29 rptd Fkft 127G,⁴ that Brit and Fr govts have approved balanced 6-months’ stockpile and that proposed change wld require their concurrence.

E. Previous discussions this subj have largely ignored airlift tonnage requirements for exports from Berlin, on assumption that incoming capacity wld be adequate cover export requirements on return trips. Above plan, as well as recent Berlin export difficulties, point up possibility that capacity limitation may arise on export rather than import side. Therefore, request estimate export tonnage requirements to supplement info Deptel 7475 May 8 and Fkft 9513 May 25.⁵ Also, wld appreciate info raw material stockpile when available.

F. Wld appreciate ur comments re our gen reasoning, problem coal procurement, amt additional funds required for augmented stockpiling program, availability storage space, and time needed to complete staggered year’s program.

G. Cpy Deptl paper recommending staggered stockpiling program pouched to HICOG and Howard Jones.

Acheson

1. This telegram, drafted by Wyman, Montenegro, and McCormick and cleared with Margolies, Laukhuff, ECA, and the Defense Department, was repeated to Berlin, Bonn, Heidelberg, London, Paris, and Moscow.
2. Not printed; it asked for the Department of State’s views on the Berlin stockpile program. (762A.00/6–2651)

3. Not found in Department of State files; however according to the report on the AHC Council meeting on May 17 the recommendations were:

   • “(a) that Govts be requested reconsider Sept 50 FM decision to build up Berlin fuel and non-perishable foodstuffs to one year’s supply with rationing;
   • (b) that in lieu one year’s program, Govts be requested to authorize program for full six months supply of food and fuel on basis rationing and without assumption of airlift;
   • (c) that in addition, program for stockpiling raw materials sufficient to maintain minimum employment in Berlin industry and supply Berlin needs for six months period should be established.” (Telegram 864 from Bonn, May 18, 762A.00/5–1851)

4. Not printed.
5. Neither printed.